New Djinn Record Last Friday, March 22, a Sud-Aviation Djinn helicopter (Turboméca Palouste turbine), flown by Jean Dabos with Jean Castagne as engineer, reached 8,482 m (27,829ft) - subject to official homologation, a world record for rotary-wing machines. The previous best figure was 26,744ft by an Alouette. Army Air Force Speaking in the House of Commons recently on the Army Estimates, the Secretary for War, Mr. John Hare, said that the Army would shortly take over from the R.A.F. full responsibility for aircraft used by them for observation, communications and other roles with a maximum all-up weight of 4,000lb. Light aircraft were required by the Army in increasing numbers for such duties hitherto Army pilots had flown them under the technical control of the R.A.F., but as in future the latter would be much less concerned with small-piston aircraft this new arrangement - to include Skeeters as well as Austers - had been made and details were being worked out. Air Race Information The Aero Club of South Africa has announced dates for the Governor-General's air race. This will be in two stages, from Pretoria to Durban on May 31 and from Durban to Baragwanath (just outside Johannesburg) on June 1. The winner will receive a prize of £700. De Havilland results Financial results in the de Havilland group of companies for the year ended September 30 1956, issued last week, show a net surplus, after provision for all charges except U.K. and overseas taxation, of £3,846,338 (1955, £2,570,954). Taxation absorbs £2,190,767 (1955, £1,579,276) De Havilland Holdings, Ltd., state that the increased surplus has, to a considerable extent, been due to the excellent results of the Canadian subsidiary company. A dividend of 7½ per cent on the Ordinary stock is recommended. Textiles on View Among exhibits at the 2nd Industrial Textiles Trade Fair, being held at the Royal Albert Hall from April 1-5, will be aircraft braking parachutes and protective clothing for use in chemical work and airborne operations. |
Source: Flight International